The Bicycle Thief

Viewing Day 1 Assignment

1. Choose one of the scenes described below by clicking on the link.
2. Rewatch the scene on the page that opens.
3. In the discussion area ON THE PAGE THAT OPENS write a paragraph that explains how two different filming techniques are used to present the significance of the scene.
4. Be sure to include your name and section number in your response.


A--Call for work

One of the men, main character, gets a job. His name is Ricci. But he needs a bicycle. He goes to his wife, who is working, and they go back to their apt. She takes sheets from bed and others in storage to hock--so they get the bicycle out of hock.


B--At the pawnshop

She hocks the sheets, and her husband retrieves his bicycle. He leaves with the bicycle, and he gets his job set up. He sets off to work. His wife is proud of him. But before he goes to work he takes her to the palm reader. After wife comes back out, they leave.


C--Going To Work

Back home, and Antonio, his boy, cleans the bike. They ride into the city. All is excitement, anticipation.


D--The Bicycle Thief

Ricci at work putting up movie posters. His bike is stolen. Ricci tries to catch the man, but no luck. Others help him. Back at the work site, and his ladder. He is disgusted. He finishes work and goes to the police.


E--Friends in the Underground

Ricci leaves home and goes to a meeting in an underground location--apparently a meeting of union men, perhaps communists. He meets a friend there who says he will help him look for the bike tomorrow.


F--Search at the Market and The Rain

Bicycle parts are everywhere, and so are bicycles. But not the one he is looking for. Great tracking shots of the bikes. They examine one frame, thinking it may be the stolen frame. But no luck. Bruno is approached by a creepy old man.
One of the garbage men gives the boy and father a ride. The father and son out in the rain. People and bikes are crowded everywhere. Father and son look lost and out of place. They stand against a wall to get out of the rain. A group of German speaking men crowd along side.